11 Things You Need to Know About the NYC Soda Ban

So, it’s finally happening: Mayor Bloomberg’s controversial restrictions on sugary drinks are finally upon us. Now, the high-minded debates about nanny-state intervention can cease—at least for a moment—so that we can actually think about the practical realties of living with these new rules in NYC. How will they actually affect your life?

The main idea is that “sugary drink” larger than 16 ounces will be banned. But it’s a bit trickier than that. You can read the actual resolution for yourself right here, or you can just skip to the CliffsNotes version: Here are 11 ways that the NYC soda ban will affect you.

So, it's finally happening: Mayor Bloomberg's controversial restrictions on sugary drinks are finally upon us. Now, the high-minded debates about nanny-state intervention can cease—at least for a moment—so that we can actually think about the practical realties of living with these new rules in NYC. How will they actually affect your life?
The main idea is that "sugary drink" larger than 16 ounces will be banned. But it's a bit trickier than that. You can read the actual resolution for yourself right here, or you can just skip to the CliffsNotes version: Here are 11 ways that the NYC soda ban will affect you.
UPDATE: This was fun and all, but the soda ban has been overturned by a judge who called the measures "arbitrary" and "capricious."

It goes into effect tomorrow.

March 12, 2013—a day that will forever go down in infamy as either the beginning of the second coming of Prohibition, or the first step in a successful battle against obesity and other sugar-induced health problems. (Or maybe it will just be a day that no one remembers.)
Source: NYC.gov

You can still get a Big Gulp.

Because chains like 7-11 are regulated by state rather than city authorities, they are exempt from the ban and can still serve you massive troughs of soda.
Source: Grubstreet

You can also drink venti Peppermint Lattes to your heart's content.

According to the official rules, "Sugary drink means a carbonated or non-carbonated beverage that...does not contain more than 50 percent of milk or milk substitute by volume as an ingredient." So you can go buck wild with those milk-based mochachinos and such at Starbucks, even though they are mad sugary.
Source: NYC.gov

But you can't get a 2-litre soda with your pizza delivery.

Because pizza joints are city-regulated, they can't sell you sodas over 16 ounces. You'll have to buy your Coke separately from a grocery store.
Source: Huffington Post

Clubs can't serve sugary mixers with bottle service.

Sorry bros—you're going to have to hit that Grey Goose straight. As the NY Post explains, "The carafes in which mixers are typically served hold 32 ounces, and the most common mixers — sodas, cranberry juice and tonic water — will be limited. Only water and 100 percent juice will be unlimited."
Source: NY Post

Dunkin' Donuts is making some changes to its menu.

DD has already begun warning customers about the ways the regulations will affect your go-to order at the chain. Check out the breakdown of the changes above. Of note: Hot chocolates will be available only in small or medium, putting to rest any uncertainty about whether those really have milk in them (apparently not).
Source: Gothamist

Diet sodas are exempt.

New York City Fashion Week won't have to go thirsty, as Diet Coke and other diet sodas fall under the calorie threshold (25 calories per 8 ounces) set forth by the new rules. One caveat, though: Since restaurants won't be allowed to stock cups larger than 16 ounces, you still won't be able to get a huge diet soda when you eat out, even though they are legal.
Source: New York Times

No more 32-ounce Gatorades.

Let's get deeper into that definition of sugary drinks:
(1) Sugary drink means a carbonated or non-carbonated beverage that: (A) is non-alcoholic; (B) is sweetened by the manufacturer or establishment with sugar or another caloric sweetener; (C) has greater than 25 calories per 8 fluid ounces of beverage...
Yep, almost all sports drinks apply. So you'll be screwed when you're sick in bed trying to restore some electrolytes.
Source: New York Times

This applies to soda fountains too.

Even if the drink isn't in a bottle, establishments regulated by the city can't serve sodas over 16 ounces. So even a movie theater or basketball arena won't be an escape from the nanny state.
Source: Grubstreet

The penalty for breaking the rules is a $200 fine.

Vendors who exceed the limitations will be subject to a fine on the spot. However, "the rule will not take effect until 6 months after adoption by the Board of Health," so there's a grace period to get used to the regulations.
Source: NYC.gov

You can still buy Four Loko

The ban does not apply to alcoholic beverages, so you can still get rip-roaring drink on some sugary rocket-fuel. What a world...
Source: The Atlantic

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